Taking the Lead: Meet Arabia Shriners Recent Past Potentate Ben LaBlanc
Ben LaBlanc stands with Grand Master of Texas MW Raborn Lovelace Reader Jr.
In our series Taking the Lead, we sit down with Shriners International temple (chapter) Potentates around the country and the world to find out what life as a Shriner is like at the top.
For Ben LaBlanc, Shriners International wasn’t something he found – it found him first. He grew up watching his father, Rodney, work his way to Potentate at Zor Shriners in Madison, Wisconsin, tagging along to parades and conventions, with family summers shaped by the rhythms of the Shrine. By the time he was old enough to join, the question wasn't whether he would, but when.
In 2010, LaBlanc joined Zor, where his brother and two cousins are also nobles. Years later, after relocating to Houston, he was installed as the 110th Potentate of Arabia Shriners on Jan. 11, 2025. The chemist-turned-global-sales-executive – who lives in Spring, Texas, with his wife, Alyssa, and their two daughters – currently serves on the Imperial Membership Committee as a Regional Membership Director (RMD) for Region 5.
We sat down with LaBlanc, 39, to talk brotherhood, legacy and what it means to lead with purpose.
Ben LaBlanc holds his new Potentate fez while his father, Rodney LaBlanc of Zor Shriners, speaks.
What made 2025 such a standout year for Arabia?
Where do I start? We kicked off with a renewed focus on communication and on Remembering Your Why – really getting back to the reasons we became Shriners in the first place.
In April, our treasurer and I, along with our Ladies, attended the Joint Boards meeting in Charleston to present Leah's Project for the first time – a powerful program aimed at educating families and eliminating burns and scalds from hot water in residential homes. It became a defining initiative for our year.
In September, we held our first full ceremonial session in at least a decade, initiating 26 new Shriners – with a huge assist from the nobles of Alzafar Shriners in San Antonio. We couldn't have done it without them.
One of the true highlights was Arabia's First Lady's Project, led by my wife, Alyssa. With tremendous support from our nobles and ladies throughout the year, she raised over $85,000 to fund life-changing equipment that Shriners Children's Texas urgently needed.
Overall, it was an incredible year, and we're very proud of everything Arabia accomplished.
How would you describe the nobles of Arabia?
Arabia is a very strong temple. We have a genuinely passionate group of nobles – and ladies – who care deeply about both our philanthropy and the fraternity itself. We work hard to remain relevant in our community and to raise money for Shriners Children's. We're very optimistic about the future.
Ben and Alyssa LaBlanc (far left) stand with Past Imperial Potentate Richard Burke, Former First Lady Judy Burke, Lady Amy Staudt and Arabia Shriners Treasurer Chris Staudt at Imperial Session 2025.
What are some of your favorite Arabia traditions?
I'm not drawn to traditions just for tradition's sake – I value the ones that create connection, drive engagement and actually move Arabia forward. Things like the Willis Chili Cook-off, the Arabia First Lady's Project, the Easter Egg Hunt and parades. Those are the moments where we're not just meeting internally but actually living what we stand for and connecting with families and the community in a real way.
I've also come to value the traditions we've evolved – major events, celebrations and new initiatives that still respect where we came from but are designed for today's member. For me, the best traditions are simply the ones that still matter and still make Arabia stronger.
What are your goals for Arabia going forward?
I really want to see Arabia continue to embrace technology and strengthen our communications as we move into the future. I also hope we stay at the forefront of innovating within the fraternity and continue to lead by example through charitable work like Leah's Project.
What kind of leader do you aspire to be?
I aspire to be a leader who combines clarity, accountability and genuine care for people. First and foremost, I want to be intentional and results-driven – someone who sets a clear direction, aligns the right people and follows through. Leadership, to me, isn't about activity; it's about outcomes.
At the same time, I want to be a leader who develops others. The real measure of leadership isn't what I accomplish alone – it's what the people around me become because of the environment I create.
I also believe strongly in integrity and consistency. People should know exactly what they're going to get from me: honest communication, steady decision-making and fairness. Trust is built in the small moments.
Finally, I aspire to lead with perspective and humility. No matter the role or title, leadership is service. It's about putting the mission first, supporting the people around you and staying grounded enough to keep learning. If I can drive results, develop people, earn trust and serve something bigger than myself, then I'll be leading the right way.
Ben LaBlanc marches with a flag alongside other Arabia nobles at a Houston Astros game.
What makes Shriners International different than any other organization?
What makes the Shriners different isn’t just what we do. It’s how and why we do it. At its core, Shriners is a rare combination of brotherhood, purpose and action that very few organizations truly balance.
What role do you think Shriners can play in the life of the modern man seeking something more?
When it comes down to men lacking connection, purpose and a place to belong, that’s exactly where Shriners can make a difference. For me, it provides real brotherhood, a meaningful mission through Shriners Children’s and opportunities to grow and lead. At its best, it gives men something that’s hard to find today: a place where they’re connected, valued and part of something that truly matters.
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